Jonathan Rivers has never lived a conventional life. As a child, he was raised by a single mother who served in the military and taught him the values of hard work, character, and discipline.

The military life meant he and his mother moved a lot, including six years in Germany as a young boy. Since the age of eight, Jonathan has lived in Georgia, surrounded by family. Growing up, Jonathan was known for being an honor student and excelling in sports.

An all-state linebacker in football, varsity letterman in baseball, member of the National Honor Society, National French Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Who's Who among national high school athletes and Who's Who among national high school students, Jonathan was celebrated as one of the ten most influential students in his school, physical education athlete of the year, and he was nominated for the Gatorade athlete of the year as a senior football player. Jonathan was also voted most athletic and best all-around by his peers. And all these achievements were while he was still in high school.

Jonathan graduated from Auburn University with his BS in Marketing. At Auburn, Jonathan was a member of the football team until he suffered a back injury. He was a member of the Black Student Union, Dean of Students Selection Committee, Vice President of the National Pan Hellenic Council, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Jonathan went on to earn his MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2012.

Today Jonathan, his wife Erica and their four children make their home in Columbus, Georgia, and Jonathan dedicates his career to motivating and mentoring - corporate, university, and faith-based audiences.

His journey to becoming a motivational speaker, author, consultant, and mentor was filled with rejection. After earning his BS and MBA degrees, Jonathan worked in corporate America until, at the age of 30, he was laid off from this job. Even with his many educational accomplishments, he applied for over 40 jobs and was told 'no' each time.

Jonathan realized he was not being told 'no' to any company - he was being told 'YES' to his purpose!

Jonathan is committed to changing the world through speaking and encouraging, and he has dedicated his life to helping others realize their purpose.